Students

PROGRAMS

Central Middle School is proud to offer Choir, Band, Jazz Band and Strings programs at the school.

CHOIR 6 AND 7/8

Any student in the school is able to join choir. Each group meets twice a week outside of the timetable and offers students a chance to sing with a large ensemble. Prior experience is not needed to join the choir. Students will learn how to sing in harmony and explore a variety of choral idioms.

BAND

BAND 6

Beginning band is for any student who has not played a wind instrument before. Students can play Flute, Clarinet, Alto sax, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, and Baritone. Due to the complexity of symphonic percussion, students wishing to play percussion should have some piano experience or take percussion lessons.

After the student has had one year of class lessons, or has satisfactorily completed the beginning book, he or she is eligible for membership in the more advanced group. Ability to sight-read music, knowledge of musical terms, playing in tune, understanding rhythm, proven spirit and good behaviour are factors upon which the student is judged.

BAND 7 & 8

Upon completing Grade 6, students are eligible to join the Band 7. This band meets both inside and outside the school timetable. Membership in this group offers students expanded opportunities for musical advancement, social experience, and the thrill of performing music of all types.

BEGINNING BAND 7/8

The beginning 7/8 band offers the opportunity for students to enter into the band program after grade 6. Players can then advance to the regular Bands 7 & 8.

JUNIOR JAZZ BAND

Junior jazz band is open to any student in grade 7 or 8 band. This class gives students the opportunity to study a different style of music. This band meets outside the timetable and is only open to those students who participate in either the grade 7 or 8 band. This is the first level of jazz study for instrumental players at the middle school level.

SENIOR JAZZ BAND

Is for Grade 8 students who have successfully completed Junior Jazz. Occasionally Grade 7 students may be invited to play in this group.

STRINGS

GRADE 6 STRINGS (INTERMEDIATE STRINGS)

This group is open to all Grade 6 strings players regardless of their experience. Students are taught the fundamentals of music and often there are many students with one year of strings performance at the elementary level. Students who show extraordinary ability are placed in advanced strings.

GRADE 7/8 STRINGS (ADVANCED STRINGS)

Upon completion of Grade 6 Strings, students are eligible to join Advanced Strings. This group meets inside and outside of the timetable. Students who play in this level of the group have often played for two or more years. Being able to read music is a must at this level.

INSTRUMENTS

CARE OF THE INSTRUMENT

Instruments are delicate and can easily be put out of order. Every precaution should be taken to keep them in excellent playing condition. Store instruments in a safe, dry place, away from the exploring hands of very young members of the family. The following suggestions on care of instruments will cut down on costly repair bills, and will insure a properly working instrument.

BRASS

  1. Clean the bore of the instrument periodically with warm soapy water and a bore cleaner, and then dry. Remove the valves (keeping them in order) and slides, and remove all dirt, corrosion, etc., from both inside and outside parts. DO NOT use harsh abrasives such as scouring pads.
  2. Lubricate valve slides with Vaseline or cork grease.
  3. Lubricate valves with valve oil.
  4. Lubricate trombone slides with oil or cold cream and water.
  5. Wipe the outside of the instrument dry. Remove fingerprints with a soft, clean cloth.

WOODWINDS

  1. Clean mouthpiece with warm soapy water and a cloth. Hot water will warp the mouthpiece. Keep the mouthpiece clean and dry at all times.
  2. Flute players should be swabbing their instruments regularly to keep them clean. DO NOT immerse flutes in warm, soapy water
  3. Remove all moisture from the inside of the instrument. Wooden clarinets should be treated with bore oil at least once a month to prevent cracking.
  4. Wiping the keys after playing will prevent darkening of the keys.
  5. Wipe reeds with a soft cloth after every practice, and place them in a reed holder to prevent warping. Moisten before playing. Do not leave them on the mouthpiece when the instrument is not in use.

PERCUSSION

  1. Adjust tension evenly, all around the drum head.
  2. Release snare strainer after playing.
  3. Keep away from sharp edges or scratchy surfaces.

Note: all instruments should be kept from extremes of temperature and humidity. Keep cases closed at all times, and do not crowd an excessive amount of music, etc. into the case. Have periodic check-ups with a good repairman.

SUPPLIES

Although study materials are furnished by the school, it is the responsibility of each student to see that other equipment necessary for the care of his or her instrument is immediately available. Students should try to keep the following in their cases at all times, depending on their particular instrument.

ALL STUDENTS

  • Folding music stand (for home practice)
  • Pencil

Required accessories as follows:

BAND SUPPLIES

FLUTES

  • Man’s cotton handkerchief for cleaning instrument

CLARINETS & SAXOPHONES

  • 1 Box of 10 No. 2 reeds
  • Cleaning swab
  • Cork Grease
  • 2 reeds is the minimum to have in your case

TRUMPET, FRENCH HORN, BARITONE AND TUBA

  • Valve Oil
  • Cleaning snake
  • Mouthpiece

TROMBONE

  • Cheese cloth for cleaning slide
  • Slide lubricant

PERCUSSION

  • Drummers are expected to have a practice pad and rent a bell set of the type available in local music stores for their work at home.
  • 5A Wood tip Drumsticks (Vater Piccolos are great)
  • Bell Mallets (Wood handles are best)

STRINGS SUPPLIES

VIOLIN

  • ¾ size violins are sometimes needed for smaller students. Music stories are able to assist with sizing of instruments.
  • Bow, Rosin
  • Chin Rest
  • Chromatic tuner

VIOLA

  • ¾ size violas are sometimes needed for smaller students. Music stories are able to assist with sizing of instruments.
  • Bow, Rosin
  • Chromatic tuner

CELLO

Bow, Rosin
Chromatic tuner
A End Pin holder (device used to stop the cello slipping on the floor while playing)

Instruments and supplies are available at the following stores:

Larsen Music
1833 Cook St (between Caledonia and North Park)
Ph: (250) 389-1988

Long & McQuade Ltd
756 Hillside (Corner of Hillside and Blanshard)
Ph: (250) 384-3622

Tom Lee Music
Unit 105 – 2401D Millstream Road (Langford)
Ph: 250 383 5222

***Many instruments are available from the school as well.***

PRACTICING

Each student is expected to spend at least enough time in home practice to satisfactory complete the class assignments. We suggest a minimum of twenty minutes daily, but practice makes perfect, and the more the better.

Establish a daily practice routine early, in a place free from interruption, well lighted, and comfortable. If possible, provide a folding music stand of the inexpensive type. Ample opportunity to demonstrate musical achievements should be given in the home.

In the beginning stages, when the efforts more often resemble noise rather than polished musical tone, encouragement, and consideration are extremely important. As your child progresses, show your pride in his or her musical achievements.

Each student will be given a practice card that needs to be signed by parents and submitted in the first class of the week. The practice record is a proven method to keep students motivated to practice.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Additional “out-of-school” instruction gives your child a decided advantage, and we encourage students to study privately in addition to the free class lessons.

Mrs. Ing and Mr. Ingstrup will be happy to help find a competent teacher for your child, if you so desire. Private lessons are not mandatory and students who do not wish to take private lessons will still do well in music classes.

EXPECTATIONS

  • Students are expected to be at all concerts. If you miss a concert, please provide a written note from home before the date of the concert.
  • If you must miss band or strings, please phone/ email or come and see Mr. Weaver before class.
  • If you miss class due to illness, please bring a note to class when you are well again.
  • Come to class prepared with your music, your instrument and your pencil.
  • Bring a good attitude and enthusiasm and we’ll make music!

UNIFORMS

Students are required to purchase and wear uniforms to all school concerts. The Central Music uniform consists of black pants or skirt and tights, black shoes, a white collared shirt, and a Central Music sweater.